On reaching a milestone….

What do they call middle age now? I think I’ll look it up….

noun: middle age

the period after early adulthood and before old age, about 45 to 65.

Well that’s a relief, I thought I was past it! Looks like I’ve still got some time to go. Whew!
According to quite a few of my friends and family, I’m now officially old and ailing quickly.
Thank goodness for Google to pick me up and put me back on my feet.
A couple of days ago saw me celebrate my half century.
I wasn’t concerned about it like many others that I know. It’s just a number after all. My knees are going to continue wearing out and the aches and pains are still going to occur regardless of the number of years that I now have to record on any official documentation.
I did however become a little concerned when I received a letter from the government the other day. Foolishly, I thought it might be a signed birthday card from the Prime Minister (ha ha). What it was, was a reminder that now I am 50 I am more prone to bowel cancer so in order to help me keep on top of these things, they are going to send me a free testing kit! That’s some birthday present I can tell you. I can’t believe just how lucky I am!! (Although my tongue is firmly in my cheek, I do realise the importance of regular testing).

I also felt a little queer when driving into town the other day and seeing the billboard advertising a local retirement village for those aged 50 and over!
(The Garden Gnome generously offered to help me move if I wished to take them up on the offer). Apparently my advanced age also entitles me to cheaper insurance. But I’m not quite old enough to qualify for a Senior’s Card just yet.

The jokes from friends and family are coming thick and fast and everything from missing what someone has said to me to forgetting a person’s name is now blamed on my advancing age. Yet, when I use my age to get me out of a gaffe I’m told “Don’t try that with me”. I can’t win really.

Still, as funny as it all sounds, I had a wonderful birthday.
The Garden Gnome and the Teen gifted me with a two new lenses for my camera and then took me away for the weekend and provided me with opportunities to use them. We went whale watching and to Sea World. I also caught up with the delightful Karen from Days and Months and we spent some time at Currumbin rocks dodging sea spray to take photos at sunset.
On the day of my actual birthday, I was gifted with red roses and taken out to dinner with my children, grandchildren and in-laws. Pretty special huh?
See? It’s not all bad turning 50.

ps: The Garden Gnome was asked by Karen whether he really is a garden gnome? He asked me to tell you all that although he enjoys gardening, he doesn’t really get much of an opportunity to do it. However, to me he will always be my Garden Gnome.

pps: Here is a few photos that I took over the weekend. 🙂